Tom Chambers Arrested on Suspicion of DUI

Former NBA All-Star and current Phoenix Suns broadcaster Tom Chambers was arrested over the weekend in Scottsdale, Ariz. on suspicion of driving under the influence.

According to a police report obtained by Justin Price of the Arizona Republic, Chambers was pulled over by an officer after his truck began swerving dangerously toward a bike lane. After being stopped, the arresting officer found two open beer bottles, and Chambers was said to be "behaving belligerently."

Chambers allegedly admitted to drinking while attending Saturday's Pac-12 Championship Game between Stanford and Arizona State, which was held in Tempe.

When asked to perform a field-sobriety test, Chambers refused. Arizona citizens are allowed to decline field-sobriety tests without penalty; however, refusing a breathalyzer or blood-alcohol exam results in a revocation of one's driver's license for at least a year.

Chambers complied with the law by allowing officers to draw blood on the scene. The result of that test was not released to the public, though the police report notes that Chambers was slurring his words, had flushed skin and smelled heavily of alcohol. He was charged with driving under the influence, possessing open liquor container in a vehicle, failure to drive in a single lane and driving in the bicycle lane.

“I take my role as a representative with the Suns very seriously and have always held myself to a high standard,” Chambers said in a statement. “I want to apologize to the Phoenix Suns and its fans for the negative attention this incident has brought upon the organization.”

Chambers played for six franchises in his 16 NBA seasons, with his most notable seasons coming with the Suns and Seattle Supersonics. A 6'10" forward, Chambers was one of the most electric athletes in the NBA during his prime. He made four All-Star appearances, made two All-NBA teams and was named the 1987 NBA All-Star Game MVP.

Although he spent just five seasons in Phoenix, he's among the most beloved and successful players in Suns history. Chambers' No. 24 was retired, and he was put in the club's Ring of Honor in 1999. Since retiring, Chambers has worked in varying capacities with the Suns organization, most notably as an analyst for local television broadcasts.

Suns president Jason Rowley told The Republic that the team knows of Chambers' arrest but would not comment until the legal process played itself out.

DUI convictions for first-time offenders in Arizona require up to a 90-day driver's license suspension, a fine of nearly $1,500 (total costs) and a jail sentence of anywhere between 24 hours and 10 days. Arizona law also prevents a plea bargain to lesser charges.

Chambers has not entered a plea on the charges at this time. He is expected to be back in court on Christmas Eve for his arraignment.